possible demise of World Superbike

[zombie]

MSMA Votes To Shun WSC
"MSMA members will not compete in 2004 World Championship Superbike"
by dean adams
Saturday, November 15, 2003
This just in from the MSMA (Motor Sports Manufacturer Assn), members include Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, MV, Honda, Ducati and Aprilia.

The MSMA and each of the individual manufacturers who are members of the MSMA would like to thank the media for all the work they put into covering motorcycle racing and for encouraging so many people to take an interest in, and give their backing to, the sport.

In light of rumors and misinformation regarding who will be competing in World Championship Superbike racing, the MSMA would like to make a clear statement of its position. A set of very fair technical rules had been agreed by all MSMA members in order to prevent unnecessarily high market prices for the machines that the series is based on, but the rules have not been adopted.

Consequently, the MSMA members have unanimously determined that unless these rules are adopted and the decision to restrict tires to a single make is rescinded, MSMA members will not compete in 2004 World Championship Superbike racing as factory teams, and furthermore, will not provide technical assistance on a factory basis. Ducati is exempted due to its pre-existing contractual commitments to sponsors.

The MSMA is deeply saddened at having to make this announcement, but has been forced into the decision. As motorcycle manufacturers, we have to take a resolute stand against technical rules that are likely to be detrimental to the interests of ordinary motorbike customers, and also against the idea of restricting tires to a single make so that a tire maker can become World Champion just by buying the title.

We sincerely hope that all devotees of the Championship will appreciate why we have to take this approach. Finally we would like to thank fans, the public and the media for all their support and understanding at this difficult time for motorcycle sports. We would like to ask you for your understanding and hope that you will continue to be able to give your support to the continuing support to the growth of motor cycling and motorcycle racing.

[zombie]

This is a real shame as WSB used to be some of the most exciting racing around, but with the advent of 4-strokes into grand prix this series is in real trouble

[Rye]

To see any form of moto racing take a shit is bad. But in this case I could absolutely care less. The governing bodies are absolute crap..... AMA too. They are not listening to the factories and the factories aren't listening to the fans. IMHO, there should be 2 classes run. A superstock class and a type of FUSA. Superstock is just that, stock. A place where consumers can watch the performance of their bikes in as close to showroom condition as possible. FUSA would provide for the testing and support of the aftermarket. Saying a bike needs to run with a restrictor plate is not racing IMHO. Neither are the breaks Ducati seems to get in racing. Neither is a tire mandate. I wish the playing field were level. But someone is gonna complain because I4 1k's are world beaters and twins can't compete at the same level unless a tire goes away mid race.

[Karaya One]

WSB was the Ducati Cup for the past several years. The fact that Edwards pulled off the Championship last year on one of only two RC-51's in the series tells you how good he is.

Otherwise, it was about 30 Ducati's, a few GSXR1000's and a ZXR750RR. Oh, and Foggy's bike.

And with this new rule, it truly is the Ducati Cup. Only factory Ducati's and a few privateer GSXR's. Oh yeah, gotta watch this.

This is why I feel Hodgson's title is hollow. Yeah, he may have worked hard to get it but exactly who did he race against? No factory Honda's, no factory Yamaha's, a semi-factory Suzuki and some older ZXR's.

He was on the #1 Ducati team with the best bike - he should have won! And it wasn't like he was racing against Foggy and Edwards. Did we even know half those guys?

WSB was great racing for years, but the rules were always fucked and it drove the factories away.